Osteoarthritis
Changes in osteoarthritis normally take many years to manifest, though there are exceptions. Inflammation and damage to the joint produce bone alterations, tendons and ligament degradation, and cartilage disintegration, resulting in joint discomfort, swelling, and deformity.
Risk factors for osteoarthritis include obesity, diabetes, increased cholesterol, sex, and heredity, in addition to age and secondary causes such as inflammatory arthritis and prior injury/ trauma.
Obesity is linked to osteoarthritis, especially in the knee. Obesity has been linked to osteoarthritis due to its metabolic and pro-inflammatory effects, in addition to overloading the body’s weight-bearing mechanisms. For people who are at risk, maintaining a healthy body weight or decreasing excess weight is critical.
Diabetes and hyperlipidemia (high lipids/cholesterol) increase the risk of osteoarthritis by triggering an inflammatory reaction in the body. Lipid oxidation can also cause deposits in cartilage, which limit subchondral bone blood flow in the same way as atherosclerosis affects blood vessels.
Controlling diabetes and hyperlipidemia is critical for bone and joint health.
Not all older persons get osteoarthritis with concomitant pain, and age-related “wear and tear” is not the primary contributing factor. There are other inflammatory and metabolic concerns that can raise the risk of osteoarthritis, especially if you have diabetes or high cholesterol.
Osteoarthritis can be linked to hereditary diseases, such as joint hypermobility. Due to prolonged inflammation and joint degeneration, inflammatory and infectious arthritis can contribute to the development of secondary osteoarthritis.
Joint cartilage is gradually worn down by complex signaling systems during joint inflammation and inadequate healing mechanisms in response to injury. Other alterations cause the joint to lose mobility and function, causing joint pain when moving around.
Osteoarthritis pain normally develops over a period of months or years. It frequently worsens with joint-stressing activities like jogging or prolonged walking. Pain and joint swelling usually get worse with time. A sensation of crushing or grinding may be felt in affected joints, especially in more severe illness.
Osteoarthritis is difficult to cure. A mix of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapy usually works effectively for mild to severe symptoms. The following are some recommendations:
Medications, exercise, weight loss (if overweight), good eating, diabetes and cholesterol management, complementary and alternative medicine, including vitamins and supplements, are all options.
These suggestions can help reduce joint pain and stiffness, as well as improve mobility and function.
Flexibility, joint stability, and muscle strength all benefit from exercise. Swimming, water aerobics, and low-impact strength training are all good options.
Working to better control weight, which is a known risk factor for osteoarthritis, may help prevent and treat osteoarthritis. Weight loss has been demonstrated to reduce tension and pain in weight-bearing joints in overweight people with osteoarthritis.
Alternative medicine and supplements Nutraceuticals, a term derived from the words “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical,” are chemicals that can be purchased without a prescription from pharmacies and health food stores.